Mental health and your adolescent: What signs to look for when your child is struggling

National Mental Illness Awareness week is Oct. 6-12, 2024. Mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice.

Signs and symptoms of mental illness in adolescents can vary dramatically with the individual. Any significant changes in eating, either overeating, a desire for sweet food or loss of appetite can be a sign of depression.

You can also look at changes in sleep patterns, or motivation to get out of bed to accomplish activities of daily living, hygiene, keeping their personal space habitable, attending school or family events, keeping up with school or school refusal or seeing friends can all look like symptoms of depression.

Common causes of depression in adolescents can stem from hormonal or brain chemistry changes, social detachment, or losing a friend group. Significant life changes in a family, such as, divorce, a new baby, remarriage or the onset of a blended family can cause mood dysregulation. The death of a beloved relative, friend or significant adult in the adolescent's life can also lead to depression. A move to a new community or school can also cause these symptoms.

Children and adolescents can have a very difficult time expressing feelings of depression. When asked about it, they frequently will respond with “I'm fine” or “Leave me alone.” I use a system to override the lack of communication skills. You can ask a child what color they feel like, indication their mood (blue, yellow), or If they think they would be spicy (angry, anxiety), sweet (happy) or bland (flat affect). These communication tools can initiate a deeper conversation. If a child is expressing a feeling of sadness or anxiety, a parent can dig deeper, looking for underlying causes.

Don’t try to be your child’s psychiatrist or therapist. Sometimes it’s nothing and will go away as quickly as it came, as adjustment to a new or different situation occurs. Ask your child's teacher if they notice any changes, and take all of your information to your child's primary care physician to have them determine if a child psychologist is needed. Most importantly, be patient and calm. Your children will recognize your concern and anxiety and will feed into it. Let them know you’ll get through this, together.

• Bonnie Lane, M.S., is principal consultant with Family Support Services in Northbrook, specializing in supporting families whose loved ones suffer from severe mental illness or substance addiction. Contact her at bonnielane@thefamilysupportservices.com.